Reviews by GoinBeck

GoinBeck says "Great drinks, snacks, and Internet " about Smooth - Savannah, GA

GoinBeck — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:18:01 GMT

We stumbled upon this cute cafe on New Year's Day just as they were opening. What a nice experience we had. I had a lovely grilled munster and bacon sandwich on whole grain bread and a great cappuchino. My friend had a hot cider topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Yum. They have a large selection of light food, smoothies, coffes and teas. The management is chatty and helpful to tourists, welcoming of all. They have free internet use for the first half hour, and for a fee afterwards. They are fully capable of technical assistance with this as well. What a great spot to rest, recharge and check your email. The decor is lovely, fun and comfortable with upholstered sofa, bistro tables and an extensive rack of current magazines for the customers to browse through for free! Unbelievably convenient location in the heart of Historic Savannah amidst the parks and squares of this charming city. Their powder room is clean and nicely appointed as well. Nothing here to offend, everything to......

GoinBeck says "Good place to go for a celebratory meal" about 17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant - Savannah, GA

GoinBeck — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:33:12 GMT

We reserved here, with a bit of difficulty, and dined in a memorable way for New Year's Eve. We were celebrating a recent retirement and wanted a special meal to accompany. Their reservation system is tricky, the online options are not effective. Phone calls may not be effective, either.

Food and service are stellar. Menu is varied enough to offer fine dining with a Southern flair.

There's a pianist, Jack Rogers, who entertains the guests admirably.

The bar is festive, too. Smokers may retire here during their visit if that's necessary.

There's a resident ghost, according to the lore, so do ask.

The Lamb Dijon was prepared well and a more than adequate portion. Other diners appeared to be well pleased as were we. Do consider this venue.

It's an Inn, too, so the location offers a good proximity for exploring this memorable historic town in the South....

GoinBeck says "In the heart of the South Beach scene!" about Hotel Shelley - Miami Beach, FL

GoinBeck — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:39:20 GMT

This hotel is part of the South Beach Group, and well located in the midst of the thriving South Beach scene. The rooms are nicely appointed, but spare. Lighting is lacking, and the bathroom is a poor design. There's no way to prevent flooding the floor during showering. There are no hooks or rods anywhere to hang wet towels or robes. The closet is without a door or light. There's a lack of storage for personal gear so unpacking is difficult. The worst part of my stay was the disreputable bar practices. There's a "free" Happy Hour. Apparently, the barkeeps are encouraged to prey on customers who've had a few freebies at this function to charge exhorbitant prices for subsequent drinks after the free drinks are suspended. I was sold 2 bottles of champagne on Christmas Eve for $635.00. What a nasty surprise. I'll be sure to inquire of the expense forever after! Wow! I spent more on this one purchase than on the entire trip, including lodging, meals and flight. BEWARE...

GoinBeck says "Smaller and lighter than a cell phone yet powerful" about Nikon - P4 Digital Camera

GoinBeck — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:32:56 GMT

My second Nikon, love the portability. Waited for digitals to get cheaper and less cumbersome. Love the freedom of film-less photographing. Goes anywhere. Bought the 1 Gb card and I can snap forever before I have to download. Came with firewire/USB connect for ease of downloading to PC. I think the concept of PHD (press here dummie) cameras has hit the digital age, with finesse and flair. LOVE THIS CAMERA....

GoinBeck says "Good vignette of the art scene in Europe in this era" about Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

GoinBeck — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:22:05 GMT

I saw this painting 30 years ago, so when I stumbled across this tome, I HAD to read it. Loved the treatment of artist, subject and description of the era. A frequent visitor to Paris will appreciate the detail given to locations covered. What a wonderful way to gain insight into Paris and the ex-patriates who inhabited it during an intriguing era for art. Well done!...

GoinBeck says "Beach combers paradise" about Garden City Beach, SC

GoinBeck — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:58:17 GMT

If you have a little time, nothing to do, try beach combing near Garden City Beach, SC. There's a laid back flavor to this locale, and little to offend. Good way to walk off a bounteous lunch or breakfast. The shells you'll find are a free souvenir of your adventure, and they vary with the seasons, so repeat visits are recommended. I visit the Grand Strand often from a rural home inland about an hour. The beach commercial development can be over-whelming and one can miss the real reason to visit this place. Get back to the nature of beaching it, and slow down to the speed of the tides. You'll be glad you did....

GoinBeck says "The nirvana of doughnuts!" about Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - Florence, SC

GoinBeck — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:36:18 GMT

Loyal customers will be thrilled to find 2 locations for this Southern staple in Florence, SC. The variety is phenomenal and one can easily overdose on this cult classic. My fav's are the Bavarian creme, classic glazed and lemon filled. There's nothing healthy about this confection, but their success is built on fresh doughnuts in a staggering array. Best road food in the South--GO IN TODAY!
The prices vary according to location, S Irby Street is cheaper than Palmetto location! Who knew.

...

GoinBeck says "Open at 6 AM, table service, inexpensive" about Prosser's - Lake City, SC

GoinBeck — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:18:56 GMT

Prosser's has loyal clientel who have come to eat breakfast together for years. The menu is uninspired, but the customers supplement with their own add-on's routinely. One guy brings his own tomatoes, another his own jam, some even buy a special loaf of bread from the delivery guy, so the kitchen can toast something new for them. If variety is desired, find another venue.
Snappy repartee is NOT employed by these hungry, working citizens. The buzz here borders on the ridiculous, but the locals have no clue. A sociologist would find a rich source of data for making a case study in the intellect of small towns in the South. The novice customer will very likely be harassed because new-comers are either ignored by locals or teased beyond fun as a source of amusement to bored regulars. Beware!
If you need a high fiber menu, or heart healthy fare, look elsewhere. This establishment has no clue how to address these needs, and apparently no desire to broaden their customer base. The worst......

GoinBeck says "Crab Cakes Benedict to die for!" about Sea Captain's House - Myrtle Beach, SC

GoinBeck — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:08:39 GMT

This restaurant is set on the waterfront of a thriving beach community with a myriad of dining options. I ate the Crab Cakes Benedict accompanied by whole grain toast, hollandaise, and home fries with onion, and delightfully prepared poached eggs. Marvelous. The menu is broad enough to please any taste, and there's a sumptuous buffet for the "more is better" diners. Best breakfast ever, in the US, any several foreign countries. Sipping coffee and waiting to watch the sun rise is a perfect way to await this culinary wonder. Make it a MUST when you visit the SC Grand Strand....

GoinBeck says "An over the top once-in-a-blue-moon experience." about Paris Ritz

GoinBeck — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:54:40 GMT

After several visits to Paris and having read the lore, my friends and I made a plan to gather at the Hemingway Bar in the Paris Ritz. It was everything we expected, and more. Our waiter had a patient discussion with us on what our drink of choice would be, and he brought them promptly, bedecked with fresh orchids. This bar is quite intimate in size, and one must choose to go there at the opening hour, or there won't be a seat. It took less than 5 minutes for the seats to be filled and the hum to begin. We left for dinner through the Place Vendome entrance/exit, after their livried staff hailed a cab. Such a wonderful way for friends from afar to gather and transition from day to evening. DO IT!...